NSW businesses have access to new grants thanks to NSW-Israel innovation plan

The NSW-Israel Research and Development (R&D) and Technological Innovation Program provides funding to assist NSW and Israel entities to cooperate on joint R&D projects. These projects will advance market-driven, new and innovative products for the global market and with the potential to contribute to economic growth, skills development and job creation. The program implements the agreement on bilateral co-operation in R&D and technical innovation between the NSW Government and the State of Israel.

NSW businesses can now apply for NSW Government grants of up to $250,000 under the NSW-Israel Research and Development (R&D) Tech Innovation Program.

The program which is jointly run by the NSW Government and State of Israel was established to support innovation and strengthen ties between NSW and Israel.

Minister for Trade & Industry, Niall Blair opened applications for the program today and said that businesses must apply before 7 June.

“The NSW Government is offering matched financial grants of up to $250,000 for project costs for participating businesses,” Mr Blair said.

“Encouraging technology collaborations through government programs such as this is a wise investment in a better future.

“We are committed to supporting innovation to create the businesses and jobs of tomorrow. In partnering with Israel, an innovation leader, we are putting our best technology companies on the world stage.”

Sydney-based company Blue River Group is already working between NSW and Israel to develop and commercialise new agri and food technologies.

CEO Craig Shapiro welcomed the NSW-Israel R&D Tech Innovation Program which he said has great potential to nurture R&D connections.

“Israel is a leader in innovation across several sectors, including agricultural areas like irrigation, plant genetics, horticulture, and dairy productivity” Mr Shapiro said.

The NSW-Israel R&D Tech Innovation Program encourages applications from all sectors but will prioritise projects focusing on cyber security, water management or agri-technology.

In support of the program, the Department of Industry will contribute an extra 10 per cent funding towards R&D projects that focus on priority sectors; for projects based in regional and rural areas outside Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong; or for start-ups or high growth companies.

What the program offers

The New South Wales (NSW) Department of Industry will contribute up to 50% of total NSW project costs to a maximum of $AUD250,000 as a grant. The remaining 50% of project costs must be covered by the NSW applicant or a third party.

The Israel Innovation Authority will provide up to 50% of total approved R&D expenses of the Israeli applicant’s project costs (uncapped) as a conditional grant via its R&D Fund.

Priority areas

All industry fields are invited to apply, but NSW Department of Industry will contribute an additional 10% of NSW total R&D project costs to a maximum of $AUD250,000 per project for the following priority areas:

projects based in regional and rural areas of NSW1

businesses considered to be a startup2 or high growth3

projects in the priority sectors of cybersecurity, water management and agri-technology

What the grant can be used for

For NSW entities, 50% of the grant funding must be used for R&D expenses. The residual can be used towards growth-related expenses that support R&D, including employee expenses and skills development. For Israeli entities, grant funding must be used towards eligible and approved R&D expenses.

For further information on the program and its guidelines and to apply, click here.